Stories and puppet play in Spanish and English for children of all ages.

'Sports in Ancient Rome'

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 8

Place: DeKalb Public Library

Learn about the original spectator sports and their crazed fans. Dr. Sinclair Bell, associate professor of art history at Northern Illinois University, will cover the wild world of chariot racing and the many misconceptions about ancient Roman games.

Couples can visit booths with fun one-on-one activities to help enrich and strengthen their relationship. Free childcare provided. Food provided by Jimmy John's.

Fareed Haque's Mathgames

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 9

Place: The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Highway

Tickets: $8

World-renowned guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque will perform with his new band, which mixes genres, tempos, melodies and beats to create a blend of funky jazz and modern instrumentation.

Haunted Theater Tour

Time: 11 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 9

Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Cost: $50

The Illinois Ghost Hunters paranormal investigation group will lead tours of the theater, searching for paranormal activity.

Holiday Bazaar

Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 10

Place: First United Methodist Church, Fourth and Oak streets

Homemade crafts, bakery shop and attic treasures. A coffee shop will be open from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., and a homemade lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Lunch is $8 for adults and $4 for children younger than 10.

More information: www.nsaclub.org or www.dekalbcounty.org/forest/star.html

The public can look at stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with the help of members of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers and member telescopes. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight covered with red plastic or cellophane. If weather is bad, the event will be canceled.

This free concert will be webcast at www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.shtml.

'Making a Holiday Letter'

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 11

Place: DeKalb Public Library

More information: 815-756-9568 ext. 220

Sign up online, by phone or at the reference desk. Walk-ins welcome as long as space is available.

Caring for the Caregiver

Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 12

Place: The Cancer Center at Kishwaukee Community Hospital

More information: 815-748-2958 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

A series exploring the challenges faced by caregivers to learn new insights, practical steps and effective coping strategies. For friends, family members and caregivers of people with cancer. Share your experience and hear from others. Box lunch provided. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Blood Drive

Time: Noon – 6 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 12

Place: Northern Illinois University, 1425 W. Lincoln Highway

'Untwist Your Thinking'

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 12

Place: Kish Hospital's Roberts Conference Center

More information: 815-748-8962 or www.kishhospital.org/programs

Emotional distress is often linked to distorted or unhelpful thoughts. Learn to recognize when this is occurring and how to rework these distortions to improve your mood. Registration is required and closes three days before the program date.

Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door, $15 for high school and college students

More information: 630-485-0222 or marv@kombrink.com

Winter Coat Pickup

Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

Place: DeKalb Area Women's Center, 1021 State St.

More information: 815-758-1351 or dawc@niu.edu

Drop off winter outerwear for the coat drive any Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. Those who need them can pick up jackets, coats, heavy sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves Nov. 17. All are welcome. Parking in the lot at 415 N. 11th St.

See an exhibit of items from Dave Miner's holiday collection, music boxes, carousels, trains, dollhouses and more. Visit the working blacksmith shop or tour the homestead. At 1 p.m., Miner will give a presentation and visitors can make a holiday decoration out of recycled materials.

'Restless Heart: Confessions of Augustine'

Time: 2 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 18

Place: The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St.

Tickets: adults $10, seniors and students $8

This film on the life of the Catholic saint Augustine uses a historical backdrop to tell the story of a man pursuing fame and fortune without a moral compass, and the changes that occur when he sees the light. It also chronicles the collapse of the Roman world and how Augustine laid the intellectual foundations of what became Europe. Rev. Bonaventure Okoro, state chaplain of the CDA, will lead a discussion after the film.

Date: Third Friday of every month, second Friday of November; next, Nov. 9

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Cost: $5

Line dancing by dancers' request. Split floor for couple dances and line dances.

Blood Drive

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 10

Place: Crosswinds Community Church, 13100 Cherry Road

Wonderful World of Christmas Craft Show

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 11

Place: Genoa-Kingston High School

Cost: Adults $1, children 50 cents

Santa will be at the show from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. More than 100 vendors, including food vendors. More than 300 grab bag gifts, more than 100 door prizes and a 50/50 cash raffle. Proceeds support the Genoa-Kingston High School Seniors Scholarship Fund.

Bingo

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Every Tuesday; next, Nov. 13

Place: Genoa Veterans Home, 311 S. Washington St.

Blood Drive

Time: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

Place: Genoa-Kingston Fire Department, 317 E. Railroad St.

iMatter Farms Fundraiser

Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

Place: 301 S. Emmett St., at the corner of Emmett and Church

More information: 815-762-0745 or 815-757-2490 or sites.google.com/site/imatterfarms/

Tupperware, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef and more direct sales companies will be on hand to sell items. There will also be a bake sale and raffles of vendor baskets. Proceeds to help establish iMatter Farms, a residential farm for adults with autism.

Hymn Sing

Time: 6 p.m.

Date: Third Sunday of every month; next, Nov. 18

Place: Emmaus Baptist Church, 701 Pearson St.

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 20

Place: Faith United Methodist Church, 325 S. Stott St.

HINCKLEY

Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, Nov. 7

Place: St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Cost: Adults $10, children 6-12 $5

More information: 815-286-3391 or 815-286-3606

Suppers are available for dine-in or carryout and include homemade desserts.

Self Protection Class

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

Place: Hinckley Community Building

Cost: $18

More information: 815-739-1336 or parksandrec@hinckleyil.com

Learn to avoid confrontation or to defend yourself in a number of situations. For junior high age through adults. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Bazaar of homemade baked goods and country crafts begins at 3 p.m. Dinner will be served from 4:30 – 7 p.m., with carryouts from 4 – 6 p.m. Dinner includes turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, coleslaw, rolls, beverage and homemade dessert. The event also features live music by Pauline Cultra-Barnes and Jeff Weishar.

SYCAMORE

Preschool Story Time

Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

Date: Wednesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 13; next, Nov. 7

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Stories, craft and play for independent 3- to 5-year-olds. Caregiver need not stay with the child, but must stay in the library.

Bingo

Time: Card sales start at 6 p.m.; play begins at 7:15

Date: Every Wednesday; next, Nov. 7

Place: Sycamore Veterans Home, 121 S. California St.

DeKalb Christian Womens Connection Prayer Connection

Time: 10 a.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 8

Place: 304 S. Main St.

More information: 815-895-6739

DeKalb Sycamore Chevrolet Cadillac GMC Grand Opening

Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 8

Place: 1925 Mercantile Drive

To celebrate its grand opening, the dealership will offer free food, beverages, live music and giveaways. Magic Matt will perform, and there will be valet parking and car washes available.

Pajama Story Time

Time: 7 – 7:30 p.m.

Date: Thursdays through Dec. 6; next, Nov. 8

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Pajamas welcome at this story time for children 3 to 6. Caregivers do not have to stay with children, but must be available in the library.

Sycamore High School Veterans Day Observance

Time: 7:30 – 10 a.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 9

Place: Sycamore High School

The observance begins by lowering the flag to half-staff. Displays about veterans will be in the cafeteria, and there will performances by student musicians.

Bet on You

Time: 6 – 10 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 10

Place: St. Mary's Memorial Hall

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

More information: kamilla23@comcast.net

A casino night fundraiser for St. Mary's Catholic School. The evening includes casino games and an auction.

'1862'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 10

Place: Federated Church, 612 W. State St.

Tickets: $15

More information: 815-895-5762 or sycamorehistory.org

Actors portraying generals Grant, Lee, Stuart, Thomas and Custer and Secretary of War Stanton will discuss the progression of the Civil War 150 years ago. Tickets are available at the Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main St., and at the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, 407 W. State St.

'Houdini: His Life and His Legend'

Time: 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 12

Place: Sycamore Public Library

More information: 815-895-2500 ext. 27

Magician, storyteller and author William Pack will bring to life the true story of legendary magician Harry Houdini. As part of the program, Pack will demonstrate some of Houdini's most famous illusions. Registration is required.

Grandparents Webinar

Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13

Place: DeKalb County Farm Bureau Conference Center

More information: 815-758-8194 or bmacarus@illinois.edu

Because of longer life expectancies, families today have the potential for long-term relationships among multiple generations. This program discusses the roles of grandparents and strategies to enhance the relationships between generations. Registration is required and closes at noon Nov. 12.

Toddler Time

Time: 10 – 10:30 a.m.

Date: Tuesdays through Dec. 11; next, Nov. 13

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Music and stories for children 18 months to 3 years and their caregivers.

'How to Host Thanksgiving'

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 13

Place: University of Illinois Extension, 1350 W. Prairie Drive

Cost: $5

More information: 815-758-8194 or web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo

Regardless of the number of guests, Thanksgiving dinner requires a lot of planning. An Extension nutrition and wellness educator will share ideas for planning, purchasing, thawing and preparing the turkey and offer recipes to round out the Thanksgiving table. Registration is required and closes Nov. 9.

People in attendance will learn about new ways science is reducing energy waste and making things more efficient. An expert from Northern Illinois University will give a casual presentation and lead a discussion. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Country Faire

Time: Noon

Date: Thursday, Nov. 15

Place: Blumen Gardens

Cost: $9

More information: 815-762-5513

The DeKalb Christian Womens Connection annual fundraiser includes a lunch, auction and a presentation by author and columnist Annettee Budzban.

Blood Drive

Time: 3 – 7 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 15

Place: Sycamore Theater, 420 W. State St.

Taste of the Vine

Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 15

Place: St. Mary Memorial Hall, 322 Waterman St.

Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

More information: 815-756-7522

Food, wine and a basket auction benefiting the Kishwaukee United Way.

'30 Minutes to Health'

Time: 7 p.m.

Dates: Nov. 15, 19 and 28

Place: Sheedy Family Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive

More information: 815-895-3354

A 30-minute presentation on health, wellness and how to improve your lifestyle to reach an optimum level of health.

Katie Meier Cancer Benefit Dinner

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 16

Place: St. John Lutheran Church, 26555 Brickville Road

Tickets: $10

More information: 815-895-4477 or www.stjohnsycamore.org/announcements-and-events

Drive-thru dinner includes one pork chop, one chicken breast, potato salad, baked beans, applesauce and roll. Katie has Stage 2b Hodgkin lymphoma and needs a bone marrow transplant. Thrivent Financial will match funds raised at the dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the church, at the downtown Sycamore location of the National Bank & Trust Co. (ask for JoAnn Pumroy or Nancy Schaffer), the Super Dollar Store and Illinois Community Credit Union in Sycamore, the Illinois Community Credit Union in DeKalb, EcoWater and CSR Bobcat in DeKalb.

Moonlight Madness

Time: 5 – 10 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 16

Place: Downtown Sycamore

Downtown merchants will feature pre-Black Friday sales, and there will be live displays in store windows.

Pamper Me Friday

Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Date: Friday, Nov. 16

Place: Sheedy Family Chiropractic, 920 W. Prairie Drive

More information: 815-895-3354

Women are invited for an evening of free massages, refreshments and shopping direct sales vendors like Mary Kay, Thirty-One, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple and more. Make your own organic body scrub to take home and enter to win a gift basket.

Electronics Recycling Collection

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

Place: DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 Prairie Drive

More information: 815-748-2408

Snake Dissection

Time: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 17

Place: Midwest Museum of Natural History

Cost: Members $13, nonmembers $16

More information: 815-895-9777

For those 8 and older; children 8 to 12 must have a guardian present. Everyone will get their own 18- to 24-inch garter snake to dissect. Registration required.

LEGO Day

Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 18

Place: Sycamore Public Library

Free, all ages, no registration required. Do not bring your own LEGOs; all LEGOs will be provided.

Blood Drive

Time: 3:30 – 7 p.m.

Date: Monday, Nov. 19

Place: Sycamore High School

WATERMAN

Walk-in Blood Pressure Clinic

Time: 9 – 11 a.m.

Date: Thursdays; next, Nov. 8

Place: KishHealth Family and Specialty Care

A community wellness professional monitors blood pressure weekly. Receive blood pressure information and a tracking card. No registration necessary.

Open Hands Vendor Night

Time: 5 – 8 p.m.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 8

Place: United Methodist Church, 210 W. Garfield

Vendors such as 1803 Candles, Silpada, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and Thirty One will sell their wares. Proceeds support Open Hands Preschool.